TIPS ON USING THE SONIC
TENSION METER
The Gates Sonic Tension Meter is capable of measuring belt tension with greater accuracy and consistency than traditional methods.
It should not, however, be expected to produce exacting results in every case. While numerous factors can be found to influence
the accuracy of the meter’s output, one must remember that traditional methods of belt tensioning such as force/deflection or belt
elongation are approximate.
The following suggestions are provided to help you achieve a high level of accuracy with the Gates Sonic Tension Meter:
CONSISTENT READINGS
■
Take at least three readings to confirm that results are consistent and the meter is not erroneously reading background noise.
MINIMUM BELT SPAN LENGTH
■
When measuring the tension in synchronous belts, use spans that are more than 20 times the length of the tooth pitch. Using
spans shorter than this may result in readings that are higher than the actual tension due to belt cross-sectional stiffness.
■
When measuring the tension in V-belts, use spans that are more than 30 times the belt top width. Using spans shorter than
this may result in readings that are higher than the actual tension due to belt cross-sectional stiffness.
MINIMUM BELT TENSION
■
There are limits as to how low a span tension value the meter can measure depending upon the belt type and cross section.
Minimum recommended installation tension values are available for all belt sections from either drive design manuals or
Gates Product Application Engineering. Attempting to measure belt tensions below these minimum recommended values
should be avoided, as the meter may provide inaccurate results. If the belt span tension is low, and a tension reading cannot
be obtained, try increasing the belt tension and then take another reading.
NEW BELT INSTALLATION
■
Before measuring belt installation tension, turn the drive over by hand for several revolutions to fully seat the belt and
equalize tension in all of the belt spans. Factors such as sprocket/shaft eccentricity, belt/sheave groove irregularity, etc.,
can influence belt tension as the sprockets or sheaves rotate. If the measured belt tension changes significantly as the drive
is rotated, and accurate measurements are needed, determine the low and high values and average them together.
350C SONIC TENSION METER
GATES
6
GATES.COM
TIPS ON USING THE SONIC TENSION METER
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